CAPE MAY, NJ – Today, Cape May – Lewes Ferry (CMLF) officials announced that its entire food service operation, including the “On the Rocks” Dockside Grill locations, have joined Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Program. According to the Surfrider Foundation, the Ocean Friendly Restaurants program offers restaurants an easy way to show their commitment to making sustainable choices for our ocean and marine life.

“We recently formed a Green Committee at the Ferry with the intention of finding ways to be more eco-friendly and go green,” said Shaun O’Brien, superintendent of food and retail operations at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. “Joining this program was one of the first initiatives of this effort. The Twin Capes resort community has some of the world’s greatest beaches and the marine life in the Delaware Bay is particularly vibrant. We need to do our part to make sure future generations can enjoy these treasures.”

“The City of Lewes has asked all restaurants and food service operations to eliminate the use of disposable utensils, plastic straws and non-biodegradable containers,” said Mayor Ted Becker. “The changes implemented by the DRBA food service operations demonstrate a strong commitment to this city wide initiative. We salute the DRBA for their leadership in taking this action as we work together to develop actions to improve the sustainability of the environment.”

Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Restaurant designation has the following mandatory requirements to be included in the program: no expanded polystyrene use (aka Styrofoam); employ proper recycling practices; offer only reusable tableware for onsite dining with disposable utensils for takeout food provided only upon request; no plastic bags for takeout or to-go orders; and plastic straws provided only upon request.

In addition to those mandatory requirements above, the Ferry’s restaurants will offer vegetarian/vegan food options regularly; ensure all seafood be a ‘Best Choice’ or ‘Good Alternative’ as defined by Seafood Watch or be certified as sustainable; engage in energy efficiency efforts such as LED lighting and Energy Star appliances, and will begin implementing water conservation efforts such as low flow faucets and toilets.

O’Brien added that the restaurant operation has already moved to single pull napkin holders, a broad based recycling effort, and an outreach to local farmers to source fresh, organic items and ingredients for our menu entrées.

About the Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over one million supporters, activists and members, with more than 170 volunteer-led chapters and student clubs in the U.S., and more than 500 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org.

About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962. The Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 45 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2018, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 275,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers. For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CMLFerry.